GOP's county headquarters firebombed in NC; ATF investigating

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. -- Police in North Carolina are now investigating after a county's Republican party headquarters was fire bombed and vandalized Saturday night.

Officials report that the Orange County Republican Headquarters was struck with "hate graffiti" and had a flammable material thrown through the front window.

The graffiti included a swastika and the words "Nazi Republicans leave town or else."

According to the NCGOP, the office suffered major damage when it was firebombed. Officials say no one was injured during the attack.

On Sunday afternoon, the walls of the multi-room office were covered in black char and a couch was burned down to its springs, The Associated Press reported. Shattered glass covered the floor, and melted campaign yard signs showed warped lettering. By late afternoon, the graffiti was covered in paint.

"Whether you are Republican, Democrat or Independent, all Americans should be outraged by this hate-filled and violent attack against our democracy," North Carolina Republican Party executive director Dallas Woodhouse said in a social media statement. "Whether the bomb was meant to kill, destroy property or intimidate voters, everyone in this country should be free to express their political viewpoints without fear for their own safety."

The firebomb apparently damaged the building's interior and some furniture before going out.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has been called in to investigate.

“This highly disturbing act goes far beyond vandalizing property; it willfully threatens our community’s safety via fire, and its hateful message undermines decency, respect and integrity in civic participation,” Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens said in an online statement. “I believe I speak for the overwhelming majority of people who make Hillsborough their home: Acts like this have no place in our community."

The Clinton campaign in North Carolina sent out this Tweet:

Thinking of everyone at the @NCGOP after the horrific and unacceptable attack on the Orange County HQ. Grateful all are safe.